Hillsborough's Little Energy Savers

Taking a page out of Gov. Charlie Crist's playbook, she highlighted a number of green goals for Hillsborough schools today, during her annual back to school press conference. She pointed out that not only can Hillsborough do good for the environment, it can save money. The district's yearly energy bill runs around $40 million.

Among the initiatives:

* More recycling at schools. (There's lots of room for growth here. Elia noted that right now about 38 schools recycle newspapers, 28 do so with ink cartridges and just 2 are recycling plastics.)

* Highlight solar power. Middleton High boasts a solar photovoltaic system that's the largest in any educational institution in Florida. We don't know exactly what this thing does either, but we will probably get to learn all about it when Charlie visits for a photo opp. Elia hinted at one to come.

* Start school-based energy patrols and energy clubs. After all, schools are an obvious place to teach green habits. "This is a way you live your life, and we need to be responsible for that," Elia said.

Elia's addressed a host of other initiatives, too, from the transportation pilot in the southeast county to the need to focus on science instruction districtwide. And she reminded parents, for one last time: School starts on Monday. Please make sure your child is there.

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.